New German leader Merz goes to Washington, hopes to pass ‘Trump test’ in Oval Office

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday to foster a personal relationship despite tensions over Ukraine and potential trade conflicts. A month into his role, the 69-year-old conservative is a committed transatlanticist aiming to maintain strong ties with Germany’s key post-war ally. FRANCE 24’s Leela Jacinto has the analysis.